Abstract: A nutcracking apparatus includes a nutcracker and a compartmented receptacle. The receptacle if formed having side walls, end walls and a floor, with a support wall dividing the receptacle into a nut compartment and a smaller shell compartment. A support platform is mounted to the support wall and includes an overhang portion into the nut compartment to provide an adequate base for absorbing the force applied for cracking nuts. A cracking pad is mounted on the support platform which includes a recess for receiving and supporting a nut to be cracked. A cracking lever arm is pivotally mounted to the support platform and includes a notch aligned with the recess for engaging a nut between the cracking pad and the lever arm. Also supported on the support platform is an end containment wall, a side containment wall and an opposite shell-directing wall for controlling shell fragments during the cracking process.